GLEN ELDER, KS — Winter angling is heating up across Kansas as the 2025/2026 trout season officially enters full swing. Highlighting this year’s program is the return of trout to the Glen Elder outlet, a popular spot that sat out the previous stocking cycle but saw its second delivery of fish just yesterday.
The season, which runs from December 1 through March 31, offers residents and visitors a premier cold-weather fishing experience. However, state wildlife officials are reminding anglers that permit requirements have become more location-specific this year.
New Permit Regulations
For the current season, Kansas has divided its trout waters into two regulatory categories:
- Type 1 (Permit Required for All): At high-density locations like Glen Elder Outlet, Webster Stilling Basin, and Lake Henry in Clinton State Park, every person fishing must possess a trout permit, regardless of the species they are targeting.
- Type 2 (Permit for Trout Anglers Only): At locations like Lake Shawnee or Great Bend Vet’s Lake, a permit is only required if you are specifically fishing for trout.
Note for Johnson County: Anglers at Shawnee Mission Lake and Kill Creek Lake should be aware that the State Trout Permit requirement officially takes effect at these locations starting in January 2025.
License and Fee Overview
The cost for a standard Trout Permit is $20, and it remains valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
- Adults (16–74): Must have a valid Kansas fishing license plus the applicable trout permit.
- Seniors (75+): Residents in this age bracket are exempt from these requirements.
- Youth (15 and under): Must possess a specific Youth Trout Permit, priced at $7.
Stocking Highlights and Limits
While Glen Elder celebrates its return to the program, other nearby locations are seeing changes. Kanopolis continues to receive trout, though ongoing construction at the outlet has forced an alteration to the traditional stocking plan. Anglers are encouraged to check the updated access maps before heading out.
The state maintains a strict daily creel limit of 5 trout (except at Salina Lakewood Lake, which has a limit of 2) and a total possession limit of 15 trout. Once the stocking season ends on March 31, any remaining trout in state waters may be fished without a permit, though daily limits still apply.
Key Stocking Dates
Stocking typically occurs around the first of each month:
- December 1
- January 1
- February 1
For a complete list of the dozens of stocked lakes across the state or to purchase a permit, anglers can visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website.
